Some villages are set wholly within private estates. Helen Moat reveals seven of the best for autumn days
01 ELVEDEN, SUFFOLK
The imposing Elveden Hall, seat of the Earls of Iveagh, sits at the heart of the village. Visit the unusual St Andrew and St Patrick Church with its corresponding twin towers and naves. Nearby Thetford Forest is rich in wildlife. Look out for golden pheasants, goshawks, crossbills and siskins.
02 BRONDANW ESTATE, GWYNEDD
Home of Clough Williams-Ellis (creator of the Italianate Portmeirion), Plas Brondanw is surrouded by pretty farms and cottages, their woodwork painted the distinctive estate turquoise. Above the remote wooded valley, Snowdonia’s peaks thrust to the sky. Visit the gardens, wander the estate lanes and soak in the autumn colour before winter sets in.
03 SELWORTHY, HOLNICOTE ESTATE, SOMERSET
The 4,856-hectare Holnicote Estate is dotted with timeless villages and hamlets, including Selworthy. Admire the thatched cottages, visit the historic All Saint’s Church and climb up to Selworthy Beacon, autumn colour spread out at your feet. Finish with a cream tea on the lawns of Periwinkle Tea Rooms and take in the golden canvas of Exmoor.
04 BALLATER, ROYAL DEESIDE, ABERDEENSHIRE
Close to Balmoral Castle, Ballater was awarded Royal Warrants by Queen Victoria to supply the Royal house; it still oozes class. From the centre’s leafy green to the walks along the River Dee (with seven bridges), the settlement and surrounds are a joy on crisp autumn days when the larches and birches sing with colour.
05 ABBEY ST BATHANS, BERWICKSHIRE
Tucked into a secluded wood-covered valley through which runs Whiteadder Water, this tiny parish is an autumnal delight, featuring the 19th-century Abbey St Bathans house, handsome Abbey Kirk (church) and nearby Gurkha bridge, which leads to ancient oak woodland. The Cistercian priory may be gone but the peace and tranquillity of this isolated place remains.
06 STRANGFORD, COUNTY DOWN
This conservation village sits at the mouth of Strangford Lough, where the ferry ploughs the water. Explore the streets of 19th-century cottages, the tower castle, and the stately home of Castle Ward with its shoreline walks. Here, autumn russets contrast with the blue water in this Game of Thrones location.
07 BEELEY, CHATSWORTH ESTATE, DERBYSHIRE
From the Devonshire Arms, the Old Smithy and the Y-shaped Paxton cottages to the surrounding estate lanes, riverside pathways, forests, waterfalls and the copper-coloured moorlands above the village, Beeley is perfect for autumn rambles.
